Apparatus having a multi-band sensor assembly for measuring a parameter of a fluid flow flowing within a pipe

Abstract

An apparatus measures the speed of sound and / or vortical disturbances propagating in a fluid flow to determine a parameter of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine a desired parameter. The sensing device includes a unitary strap having a plurality of bands disposed parallel to each other. The bands are interconnected by cross members to maintain the bands a predetermined distance apart. Each of the bands having a strip of piezoelectric film material mounted along a substantial length of the bands. The piezoelectric film material provides a signal indicative of the unsteady pressures within the pipe. The sensing device includes a conductive shield around the multi-band strap and the piezoelectric film material to provide a grounding shield.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 451,685, filed on Mar. 4, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a parameter or characteristic of a process fluid flowing within a pipe, and more particularly, an apparatus having an array of pressure sensors that clamp onto the outer surface of a pipe to determine a parameter or characteristic of a process fluid with in a pipe.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Numerous technologies have been implemented to measure volumetric and other parameters and characteristics of a fluid flowing within a pipe. A majority of these meters are intrusive to the flow. For instance, vortex meters, orifice plates and differential meters place device directly in the flow. These meters have limited applications that are specific to the kind of fluid flowing through the pipe. Further is some instances th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Objects of the present invention include an apparatus for measuring the unsteady pressures of fluid flow in a pipe to determine a parameter of the flow, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of pressure sensors attached to a unitary strap to enable the easy clamping of the sensors to the outer surface of the pipe.

Problems solved by technology

These meters have limited applications that are specific to the kind of fluid flowing through the pipe.

For example, a very abrasive flow may wear down or damage elements of the meter, which are directly exposed to the flow.

Another disadvantage of these in-flow meters is that in order to replace or install the meter, the process or flow loop must be shutdown.

This shutdown can be costly and a time-consuming process.

Some of these meters can be very large and heavy making the installation process very difficult and some times requiring more than one individual to install.

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